Trio Accused Of Pocketing $100K Through Fake Charity Stalls

Claimed to be for sick children

Three men have been arrested over a massive fake charity sting, that's alleged to have pocketed them more than $100, 000.

Police say they set up stalls in various locations across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania from 2013.

They were apparently advertising to aid terminally ill children and their families, with photos of sick children used to further their plea.

Instead the money was used to buy cigarettes, food, and clothing.

Investigators do no believe the cash made it to sick children or their families.

Victoria Police Sergeant, Colin Grenfell, said one Bendigo family, who had already lost two children to illness and were in a desperate fight to save a third, had been caught up in it all.

“It is heartbreaking to see real people with real terminally ill children ripped off,” he said.

Officers have appealed for anyone who may have been a victim to come forward.

A 49-year-old man, 41-year-old and 31-year-old man, all from Harcourt, Victoria, have been arrested and are likely to be charged with offences including deception, documentary perjury and using proceeds of crime.